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Author:
Posted: Sep. 8, 2002
| This Page Viewed: 7,014,047
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Vox Q Stats
Times Viewed: 32,767
Reponses: 268
Lurker/Post Ratio: 122 to 1
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Question of the Week: 78 - 9/22/2002
Would You Take Part in a Public Event or Protest AS a Pagan?
Many Pagans or Heathens have always been a little leery about taking part in public events, protests or in signing their real names to letters or petitions. Given the current climate in the United States and across the world since 9/11, are you more or less inclined to be open about your spiritual beliefs or religion than you once were? Are you more fearful of reprisals or discrimination? Do you think that you would be placed on a surveillance list if you participated in public events or signed petitions with your legal name? Are you more cautious than you may have been before? Or have the events emboldened you to take a more public stance?
What’s the current status of YOUR broom closet?
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| Reponses: There are 268 responses posted to this question. |
Reverse Sort |
| Certainly...as Long As It Is Peaceful... | Sep 24th. at 4:32:57 pm EDT |
| C. Ryder (Las Cruces, NM) | Age: 50 - Email |
I've always been one to go my own way, express my opinions and beliefs should anyone ask. And the older I get the bolder I get. I have a pentacle windchime hanging from my front porch, wear pentacle (post) earrings all the time and frequently wear a t-shirt, of which I have two, that has stonehenge with people dancing around it and the legend, "give me that old time religion"....there are various pagan/wiccan articles throughout my home as well as mini altars here and there...
Worried about legal reprisals...I signed petitions more than 20 years ago, very legibly, with my full legal name, to legalize marijuana, though I don't use it myself (alcohol is legal and much more destructive/deadly)...also volunteered as an escort at an abortion clinic...even though I doubt I would go that route, (was on local TV & newspapers at the time due to the "religious" protesters getting physical with us in front of said clinic)...The point is, the right to personal choice/freedom as per 1st ammendment...I have held both federal and state jobs, currently working state, had extensive background checks done on me...apparently nothing there..though it does help to have letters after your name (college degrees). When talk at work starts getting on religion, mostly people spouting thier particular brand (mainly "christian") of why things are happening in the world, as per God slapping us down...I leave them to their discussion...when any of them have come at me directly I have told them they are entitled to their opinion...if they persist I quote the 1st ammendment at them and tell them they are violating my rights...If people ask me about my beliefs I tell them what I believe, though most of them don't understand...and don't ask for further info. I have been called everything from a "free spirit" to "eccentric", to "nuts", by co-workers, but as I do my job and do it fairly well, I haven't had any problems at work or in public due to my beliefs...and I frequently check out books at the local library, also donate books so others can have access, on paganism, witchcraft, etc. (Everything goes on computer...and I have read court transcripts where the prosecution had gotten a list of all the books checked out by the defendant to prove his intent in the crime). I don't push my beliefs in anyone's face but I don't hide it either. 9/11 hasn't changed my behavior...I will continue on my path and fight for my right to do so, if it comes to that...
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| Proud To Be Pagan | Sep 24th. at 5:16:36 pm EDT |
| Priscila Rhodes (South Carolina) | Age: 39 - Email |
I am a nurse and display my pent while I work. Those that ask I inform them of what it means to me. I have worked with many people of diffrent religious groups, some that accept me and some that will not. Yes I am propd to be pagan and to be so labled.
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| I Always Do | Sep 24th. at 5:28:09 pm EDT |
| Violet (Columus ohio) | Age: 17 - Email |
i take alot of guff but i always show pride in my religion. ill even protest.
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| Hoka Hey!!! | Sep 24th. at 5:47:30 pm EDT |
| Rev. Carolyne Kleinman (Round Rock, TX) | Age: 44 - Email - Web |
Or...."Today is a GOOD day to die!" I believe that it would be treasonous as an American NOT to stand up and be WHO I am, using my REAL name, and publically stating that I have the right as a VOTING AMERICAN CITIZEN to worship any Deity I so choose in any way I feel is correct as long as, in pursuit of my spiritual communion I do not harm nor allow harm to come to any living being. I would stand up in front of Dan Rather, Barbara Walters, even the Moron-Elect and not only state the tenets of my faith, but detail as much as my memory will allow me to recount of those narrow-minded individuals whom in the name of religion, committed horrific atrocities in broad daylight with witnesses.
I fully understand those people who wish to stay in the "broom closet" - and it is for you that I stand up and paint a target on my backside. Perhaps one day you can be truly free to express your heart.
In Service to Danu.......
Carolyne
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| Afraid But Not Hesitant | Sep 24th. at 5:52:44 pm EDT |
| Golda Summers (somtimes Maine, sometimes Maryland) | Age: 20 - Email |
I avidly stand behind that which I am passionate about. One way I do this is by being open about what I believe in. I do not like the idea of feeling like I need to be secretive about something so beautiful and so much a part of me, and so I refuse to do so. I would be honored to be in public events, I have signed petitions with my real name, and I felt quite fulfilled in doing those things. In standing behind what I believe in.
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| Legal Rights And Public Protests | Sep 24th. at 6:07:23 pm EDT |
| Andrued (Colorado) | Age: 45 - Email |
I am not one to protest publicly, waving placards and marching, but I have no problem signing a petition with my legal name. It is probably easier to be a pagan than a Muslim, right now!
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| My Opinion | Sep 24th. at 6:09:10 pm EDT |
| tabitha (stockton) | Age: 16 - Email |
i would take my place in a protest or event that has to with what i believe and im willing to fight for what i believe in i think im wanting to help my brothers and sisters and my family and friends in whatever i can because that is what we need now not to fight or be violent
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| Would You? | Sep 24th. at 6:22:26 pm EDT |
| Shadow (Niagara falls) | Age: 30 - Email |
I would March and protest and gladly place my legal name if not my true name to a petition
Although i may not agree with the government I do like the freedoms I enjoy and don't like to
see them stepped on and would gladly give my self to protect my Sisters, Brothers and the freedom i charish.
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| Kalamazoo Pagan Pride Day 2002 | Sep 24th. at 7:08:24 pm EDT |
| Karel Sebek (Kalamazoo MI US) | Age: 756 - Email - Web |
I'm Pagan. I'm a grown up. I'm a voter, and yes, I do vote. I own property in this town, and pay the taxes for it, too. I live here, and likely will for some time to come. I participated actively in the K'zoo PPD2002 planning from its beginning and during the actual event. It went off perfectly. Two weeks have passed since then. Precisely nothing untword has occured since then in my life. All things considered, helping to put on PPD was an excellent experience for me.
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| Togather We Stand | Sep 24th. at 7:28:15 pm EDT |
| Lisa (Seminole,Fl) | Age: 38 - Email |
I would gladly stand with my freinds hand in hand and show the world that togather anything is possible that we are all here to enjoy the peace we give and that we get from others that has been the way of are people and that is the way it will remain. Just say when and where.
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| Witch,open And Proud! | Sep 24th. at 7:45:44 pm EDT |
| Lorelei (Felton Ca.) | Age: 36 - Email |
I have protested openly a Witch. I vote every election. I feel I should not hide at all. But, I am aware in some parts of this country and world it's a very scary thing to come out. So, I not saying my way the best for everybody. I am blessed to live in a tolerant and open place.
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| Who I Am | Sep 24th. at 7:48:35 pm EDT |
| Adena Firestorm (USA) | Age: 18 - Email |
I remember when I came out of "The broom cloest" with my parents and my friends. Over the years some people have been more open minded then others and theat s fine. Yes I've only been wiccian/pagan for a short time but I'm proud of who I'm and I have particapted in events related to wicca. I am not ashamed of the person I'm or my faith if someone asks me I am more then willing to share with them.
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